Japhet, in Search of a Father eBook

“There is but one inducement, sir, for me to
wish that the world may still deceive themselves.
I may be thrown out of society, and lose the opportunity
of discovering my parents.”

“And pray, Mr Newland, which do you think is
more likely to tend to the discovery, a general knowledge
that you are a foundling in search of your parents,
or your present method, of taxing everybody upon suspicion.
If your parents wish to reclaim you, they will then
have their eyes directed towards you, from your position
being known; and I will add, there are few parents
who will not be proud of you as a son. You will
have the patronage of Lord Windermear, which will always
secure you a position in society, and the good wishes
of all, although, I grant, that such worldly people
as Lady Maelstrom may strike your name off their porter’s
list. You will, moreover, have the satisfaction
of knowing that the friends which you make have not
been made under false colours and appearances, and
a still further satisfaction, arising from a good
conscience.”

“I am convinced, sir, and I thank you for your
advice. I will now be guided by you in everything.”

“Give me your hand, my good lad, I now will
be your friend to the utmost of my power.”

“I only wish, sir,” replied I, much affected,
“that you were also my father.”

“Thank you for the wish, as it implies that
you have a good opinion of me. What do you mean
to do?”

“I have promised my friend Mr Harcourt to go
down with him to his father’s.”

“Well?”

“And before I go I will undeceive him.”

“You are right; you will then find whether he
is a friend to you or to your supposed ten thousand
pounds per annum. I have been reflecting, and
I am not aware that anything else can be done at present
than acknowledging to the world who you really are,
which is more likely to tend to the discovery of your
parents than any other means, but at the same time
I shall not be idle. All we lawyers have among
us strange secrets, and among my fraternity, to whom
I shall speak openly, I think it possible that something
may be found out which may serve as a clue. Do
not be annoyed at being cut by many, when your history
is known; those who cut you are those whose acquaintance
and friendship are not worth having; it will unmask
your flatterers from your friends, and you will not
repent of your having been honest; in the end, it is
the best policy, even in a worldly point of view.
Come to me as often as you please; I am always at
home to you, and always your friend.”

Such was the result of my dinner with Mr Masterton,
which I narrated to Timothy as soon as I returned
home. “Well, Japhet, I think you have found
a real friend in Mr Masterton, and I am glad that you
have decided upon following his advice. As for
me, I am not under false colours, I am in my right
situation, and wish no more.”